5 Universities in New Zealand for International Study Abroad Students

Which universities in New Zealand for international students are the best? Well-done on choosing New Zealand for study abroad, you’ve made a baaah-utiful choice. Now that you’ve narrowed down the location of your study abroad experience, it may have dawned on you that New Zealand has a LOT of excellent colleges and universities to choose from—and even a couple of islands! Don’t fear, that’s why you’ve landed on this article and are continuing your journey towards selecting the perfect place for you (see, you’re already doing a great job).

Grab your new friends & take in a new, sweeping view of your university town—like these students in Dunedin!

Take a deep breath because no matter which of the many universities in New Zealand for international students you choose to attend, it’ll be an incredible and educational experience abroad. That being said, as you make your final decision, it is helpful to have an idea of what you’re looking for in your overall academic experience. Kiwi colleges and universities come in every size and shape, so it’s up to you to determine which factors matter most. Location? Specific fields of study or professors to learn under? Cost? Built-in community of international students?

Some New Zealand colleges are more accommodating to international students than others. The best New Zealand college for you is out there, you just have to do a little looking to find it. Whether you’re looking for universities in the capital, Wellington, universities in Auckland, universities in smaller, more immersive cities, or simply international universities in New Zealand, you’ve come to the right place. We hope this list of the best universities in New Zealand for international students can help you on your search!

Why study in New Zealand?

Earning your degree doesn’t have to be boring, stressful, or an event to trudge through, especially if you take the leap to study at one of the many colleges in New Zealand! Whether you’re looking for the tranquility of sandy beaches, the soft salty breeze of the coast, new perspective from the tops of mountains (the Southern Alps will blow your mind!), or the vibrant energy of cosmopolitan urban centers, New Zealand has you covered.

Two words: FLAT. WHITE.

You’ll never be want for adventure when it’s time to close the books and get out and play. New Zealand’s two islands—the North and South—offer miles and miles of glorious nature to get up close to. Do one of the great treks over a school break or try to spot the Southern Lights (Aurora Australis) with your new study abroad buds. Taste-test every Whittaker chocolate bar you can get your hands on, and try to spot a daytime-shy kiwi. Wander about the Te Papa museum (it’s free!) to learn more about the indigenous Maori culture, language, heritage, and history. If that doesn’t scratch your itch enough, participate in a homestay on a marae to learn more about modern day Maori life.

With world renowned colleges and universities everywhere you look, you’ll learn as you adventure and ultimately walk away with a world class education. Not bad for a 

Best universities in New Zealand in 2019-2020 for international students

1. University of Otago—Dunedin, South Island

Māori: Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou

New Zealand’s first university is situated in gorgeous Dunedin on an inlet leading to the vast Pacific Ocean. Dunedin, a foodie and culture capital, is Australasia’s only true student city (rated as the top university in NZ for international student experience!), with nearly 20% of its residents attending the University of Otago! If you dream of accessibility to nature / recreating your fave scenes from Lord of the Rings with friends frequently, the location can’t be beat. Not only is it ultra-walkable, but ski resorts, adventure hubs (we hope bungy-jumping is on your to-do list!), and wildlife reserves are all within campus reach. 

There’s even more to be enjoyed on campus. The university is lauded for the field work oriented coursework available for a variety of courses—from Pre-Med (Health Sciences), Humanities, Science, Business, and more. 

Could this university campus *be* any more darling?!

Take part in their UniFlats program to live with both a local and a fellow international students (we love how this gives students greater immersion into NZ culture!). Want to get even more involved on campus? We have a hunch *at least* one of the 150+ student-run clubs and organizations will catch your attention.

• Recommended program: Direct-enrollment
• Read reviews of the University of Otago for study abroad

2. University of Auckland—Auckland, North Island

Māori: Te Whare Wānanga o Tāmaki Makaurau

Look out your dorm room window and lay your eyes on Rangitoto, New Zealand's youngest and most active volcano. Amazing! With coastlines to the east and west, living in New Zealand’s largest city isn’t synonymous with adapting to life in a concrete jungle. The University of Auckland itself is smack dab in the heart of the urban center, giving you unparalleled access to kebab joints, cool coffee shops, international shopping chains, and a trendy bar scene. No wonder the University of Auckland tops of list of New Zealand colleges for international students!

[9 Reasons Why Study Abroad in New Zealand is For You]

This is a school worth considering if your academic aims focus on civil engineering, psychology, accounting, finance, and education. As a research-oriented institution, you’ll be given plenty of space to dive deep into the topics that most interest you. Give life in the “City of Sails” a try!

• Recommended program: The Education Abroad Network
• Be the first to review the University of Auckland

One of the biggest perks of studying in New Zealand? Your teachers extend beyond the university classroom

3. University of Canterbury—Christchurch, South Island

Māori: Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha

Christchurch: You may recognize the city name from the horrific earthquake that ravaged through a few years ago, but now it’s making a name for itself through its revival. Look no further than your pocket to feel inspired by graduates of this institution: The $100 bill depicts Ernest Rutherford, Canterbury's most distinguished graduate, while the $50 bank note portrays an image of Apirana Ngata of Ngati Porou—the first Maori graduate from a university in New Zealand.

Bike along the Avon River, sip coffee while enjoying the South Island’s largest urban center, and join over 12,000 students in more than 70 different academic programs to see what all the fuss is about in the Garden City!

• Recommended program: International Studies Abroad (ISA)
• Be the first to review the University of Canterbury

4. Victoria University of Wellington—Wellington, North Island

Māori: Te Whare Wānanga o te Ūpoko o te Ika a Māui

We dare say our experience in Wellington can be summarized as: “Love at first sight.” From it’s funky cafes and art shops to it’s quirky fish stands and eclectic coffee scene, there’s never a dull moment in New Zealand’s capital city. Students will be satisfied with life off-campus and on. The Victoria University of Wellington prides itself on its international focus, making foreign students (like you!) feeling ultra-welcome from the get-go. You can feel confident that your studies in Wellington will prepare you for meaningful careers in a variety of industries.

Best part? When you’re bored, you can wander the world class Te Papa Museum on New Zealand’s indigenous culture. For free.

• Recommended program: IFSA-Butler
• Be the first to review Victoria University Wellington

Is she actually studying or day dreaming about Tim Tams?

5. Auckland University of Technology—Auckland, North Island

Māori: Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau

Auckland is the only city to top our list of New Zealand colleges for international students twice, and it stands strongly as a great option for students pursuing technology-related subjects of study. AUT was founded in 1895 (dang!) and strives to be the “university for the changing world.” This isn’t just a school for our STEM-friends though: You can find a variety of courses in the liberal arts, spanning from hospitality and tourism management to public policy, Maori studies, and more. All that’s missing from this world class education is YOU.

• Recommended program: Academic Programs International (API)

[Browse ALL Universities in New Zealand]

Next steps to attend universities in New Zealand

Be sure to add Auckland to your must-see list, regardless of where you end up!

Now that you have a general idea of some of the best universities in New Zealand calling international students, you’re hopefully more excited than ever to find your dream university. Here are some helpful tips to keep you moving forward towards achieving your dream of studying in New Zealand:

• Location, location, location. Do you want a bustling city or a more rural setting? Are you a total beach goer or do you melt under the hot sun? Make a list of your ideal geographic and weather qualities, this will help narrow down which region of New Zealand is best for you.
• Do your research. Given that you’ve made it all the way through this article, it’s likely you’re familiar with the amount of research that goes into making this decision. Keep at it until you settle on your perfect Kiwi university!
• Read program reviews. While it is always key to take reviews with a grain of salt, take a peek for the general feel of all of the reviews. The students shared their thoughts and feelings to help you in your decision process. 
• Trust your gut. Did you land on a university website that gives you butterflies? Can you picture yourself walking around on a campus from a picture you’ve seen? Research can only get you so far, sometimes you just have to listen to what feels right and go with it. 

Who knew finding universities in New Zealand for international students could be so easy?

*Just a quick break from the books for a cruise around Otago Peninsula*

Congratulations on making it this far in your journey towards selecting a university in New Zealand for your study abroad! You’re only a few decisions away from finalizing your adventure. And the best part? When it comes to studying abroad in New Zealand, there’s no wrong choice. So, stop making excuses, get out there and... 

Get Matched with 5 Programs for New Zealand Study Abroad Now

This article was written in conjunction with the University of Otago in New Zealand. The University of Otago specializes in hands-on study abroad courses for all student participants, with subjects varying from Ecology to Anthropology to Politics and Marine Science and beyond. Check out their website to find exciting opportunities to study at New Zealand universities today!